Please introduce yourself.
I am Karl Wallasch, a fire safety consultant working for Trigon Fire Safety in their Richmond office. I achieved registration as a Chartered Engineer through the IFE in 2012 and I am also a professional member with the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) since 2023.
Tell us about your career to date.
I studied civil and structural engineering at the Bauhaus University in Weimar (Germany) from 2000 to 2005, then started my career as a graduate fire safety engineer in a multi-disciplinary consultancy in London. I have worked in the UK, Berlin and Madrid. In 2019 I co-founded Trigon Fire Safety Ltd.
Please describe your role within your current workplace.
As a director at Trigon Fire Safety, I am involved in a variety of different aspects of a fire safety consultant. I am still involved in projects and provide technical advice, write reports and note, attend design team meetings and client visits. I love being involved in project work and providing technical advice and support project teams and clients. I am also involved in different roles within the business for example in marketing, business development, HR, links to academia etc.
Can you describe a typical working day?
Every day is different. But a big part of my daily work is catching up with my colleagues as well as external clients, project team members like project managers, architects, engineers etc, dealing with emails and phone calls, writing and reviewing fire safety reports/notes/emails, reviewing plans etc.
Another aspect of my work is business development, preparing fee proposals, presentations and creating new project opportunities and links within the industry.
Are there any particular challenges or unusual aspects to your role?
Two of the biggest challenges of the role are: staying on top with changing landscape of fire safety regulations and guidance around us; and finding the right work-life balance as it’s too easy to work too much. Saying “no” has become an important part of my job. What do you find most enjoyable about your job?
There are many enjoyable aspects mainly: working with other people on real buildings, and knowing that our contribution to a safe and sustainable built environment is significant for the future. In this changing environment and based on constant news and findings from the world of academia, research and fire science, we regularly face new challenges but also opportunities and solutions. It’s a really enjoyable and satisfactory job!
Is there a great professional achievement that you would like to tell us about?
Our team at Trigon is committed to supporting the next generation of engineers. We are doing this in form of giving advice to pupils, students, offering work experience, internships and summer placements, visiting schools, universities but also financial support via bursaries and scholarships. It’s satisfying to hear back from these young people that the experience gained has helped them to decide to start a career in an engineering discipline.
Another highlight has been to be part of the organising committee to assist in the planning and execution of a number of international conferences as well as local training events in London. It’s fascinating to see how many people are interested in learning, discussing and debating as well as networking; and what fantastic speakers, presenters from various corners of our industry we have. Experiencing such a network and connection at European and global level is very special – you feel very impressed, thankful and proud of your industry!
What inspired you to become an engineer or pointed you towards an engineering career?
I think I really got inspired after completing school and undertaking my first placement experience. I have to thank many people for their help directing and inspiring me to start a university course and considering a career in this sector.What contributed to your decision to become professionally registered / gain IFE membership?
At the beginning of my career (I just moved from Germany to the UK) I didn’t think it was one of my immediate goals. I felt busy fitting into working life, learning basic skills as a consultant and fire safety engineer but also enjoying life in another country.
However, a few years into the job, I did hear some of my colleagues speaking about professional registration. I was intrigued and felt that I can empathise with this and made it my professional goal to become a Chartered Engineer. It is something I have never regretted and it’s fantastic to see that the value of a Chartered Engineer has increased in recent years and that competency is more widely discussed, recognised and actually requested by clients and project teams.
How do you benefit from being a member/registrant with the IFE?
I feel I am involved and part of a much wider community - beyond my work place or project teams. I have the pleasure to regularly meet colleagues and peers from around the world and most of them know and recognise the work that IFE does as well as the value that its offers being a member with the IFE.
Are you involved in the IFE in any other capacity?
I am indirectly involved with the IFE through my work with the SFPE at international level. One of my goals is to bring both institutions closer together and allow for regular exchange. For example co-organising or facilitating CPD events for members of both institutions.
Would you recommend joining the IFE to others?
I certainly recommend anyone in the UK fire safety industry to join the IFE. Not only to join, but find something where they can actively contribute, some initiative to help making our industry better and stronger, and something to be proud to be part of.Is there any advice you would pass on to someone considering professional registration / IFE membership?
Get a membership. Speak to people around you about the many possibilities to get involved, take part and search for opportunities where you can contribute.